Topical Questions 2023-06-14

2023-06-14

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
The Member is raising concerns about the legal status of AI developers using copyrighted content without permission.
Does the Secretary of State believe that AI developers' ingestion of creative content that is protected by copyright without obtaining a licence is infringement under UK law?
The hon. Lady raises an important matter, on which my Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are working closely together. Can I draw her attention to information that I know my right hon. and learned Friend the Culture Secretary will be bringing forward shortly? I reassure the hon. Lady that intellectual property is at the heart of our approach to support the creative industries in this country.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked for a legal clarification, but the answer referred to future plans and reassurances without providing an explicit legal stance.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The Member is seeking information on the timetable for implementing smart data provisions in other sectors.
Will my right hon. Friend release an implementation timetable immediately, showing which industries will introduce what and when?
First, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work he has done to promote the use of smart data across the economy. The Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) is working with Departments, regulators and industry to agree common principles for future smart data schemes in different sectors. Individual Departments will set out when and how they will use the powers, following appropriate consultation and impact assessments.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked for a specific timetable but the answer referred to ongoing work without providing concrete dates or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Lucy Powell Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Context
The Member is questioning the effectiveness of government policies in AI and data sectors, citing specific examples.
Does she accept that to show international leadership, the Government need to get their act together at home?
As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out this week at London Tech Week, we will be leading at home and overseas and leading change in our public services. That is the right approach. It is pro-innovation. We will capture those benefits for British businesses and British citizens, and I think that the Opposition could do an awful lot better than what they have just presented.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked about internal improvements but the answer shifted to criticism of the opposition without addressing the specific issue raised.
Criticism Of Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Context
The Member is inquiring about funding promised to the university's pandemic sciences institute, which has not yet been received.
Will the Secretary of State meet me to see how we can unblock that so that this vital work continues?
Yes, I would be happy to meet the Chair of the Select Committee.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Context
The Member is concerned about the Government's commitment to funding mathematical research, which was promised but now appears abandoned.
When does the Minister expect Britain to stay competitive and when can the Government guarantee that funding?
As the Prime Minister has made clear, we are putting maths at the heart of our curriculum. I am ensuring that maths is properly funded to our research ecosystem. I will happily meet the hon. Member and talk to her about it.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked for a timeline but the answer provided general commitments without specific dates or guarantees.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The Member is advocating for better recognition and support for technicians who are foundational to the UK's technological advancement.
What more can my hon. Friend do to give them more recognition, more status and, even, more funding to carry on the work they do?
My hon. Friend has a formidable reputation himself in championing, and from having worked in, that area. We are increasing investment in further education and skills by £3.8 billion over the course of this Parliament, because we need technicians to access high-quality training.
Assessment & feedback
The question asked for specific measures but the answer provided a general commitment without detailing concrete actions or policies.
Response accuracy